A special occasion for children

Friday

An event which has been going on for more than 30 years in Lenoir County continues to bring smiles to dozens of children.

On Friday, the Lenoir County Special Olympics had its annual fall games event at the Fairfield Recreation Center, with student-athletes from schools across the county participating.

Kinston-Lenoir County Parks and Recreation program supervisor Galen Treble said 10 to 15 schools participate in the semi-annual event.

“We have a fall and a spring Olympics each year,” Trebel said. “The kids look forward to it every year. It’s a big event for them, and they practice all year for it. We pick them up, bus them, volunteers help with the kids and we feed them lunch from Dominos.”

The Kinston Civitan Club provided sponsorship and volunteers for the event. Marcia Hart, the president of the group, said the primary focus was helping people with developmental disabilities.

“We give our assistance here because we love seeing the smiles on people’s faces,” Hart said. “This is strictly volunteer work, so you know we love what we’re doing.”

Recreation superintendent Tim Knobeloch said the parks and recreation department stresses the importance of keeping the event going strong.

“This is the kids’ chance to shine and their moment in the spotlight,” Knobeloch said. “In the fall, we have a basketball skills competition and track and field during the spring. The kids cherish it, and the Special Olympics is one of the most valuable programs we conduct.”

Melissa McCoy, who has been the Lenoir County Special Olympics coordinator since 2004, said seeing the smiling faces of the children competing is always great.

“The kids come out here and have a good time mingling with others from different schools,” McCoy said. “It’s a competition, but a friendly one, and everyone has a great time. It’s a bit like a field day for them.”

The Fun Zone provided entertainment throughout, with Flimsy Da Clown performing tricks, making balloon animals and passing out candy to the children.

“I’ve been doing the Special Olympics for about nine years, and it’s always a great event,” Flimsy said. “It’s great to see the kids and adults who come out.”

Caroline Carlyle, who was crowned Miss Neuse in February, delivered the welcome and said she enjoyed the Olympics.

“It’s just a great event all around,” Carlyle said. “I love watching the children having fun and enjoying themselves.”

One of the children, Tyquan McKinney, a seventh-grader at Rochelle Middle School, said he had plenty of fun.

“I feel great and like being here,” he said.

McKinney’s grandmother, Betsy Greenchase, said it was an event which has a positive effect on the students.

“It’s very important to make these kids look special,” Greenchase said. “It’s something they look forward to and they’re motivated to do their best in the activities.”

Marquel Black, a freshman at Kinston High School, said he had a good time, but needed to practice more at basketball.

“I’ve got to work more on my shot,” Black said.

South Lenoir sophomore Christopher Guardiola said he enjoyed the Special Olympics.

“I like that I get to go against another school for competition,” Guardiola said. “My favorite thing was shooting the basketball.”

Logan Hardy, a third-grader from Northwest Elementary, said the event was cool, but the only thing he didn’t like was the balloons popping.

“I don’t like the noise (of the balloons),” Hardy said. “I did like bouncing the basketball.”

Timila Lane, an exceptional children teacher at South Lenoir, said she has had the school taking part in the event for the past 10 years.

“This event allows the students to participate with their peers at a competitive level,” Lane said. “Other students get to do it, so it’s important these students have a function, and I’m thankful the community gives us the opportunity to do this.”

Mayor B.J. Murphy, who opened the games, said the event is vital to the community, especially the children participating.

“These young people need to be embraced by the city and county,” Murphy said. “I’m proud of the school system and the parks and recreation department for continuing to put these games on.”

Junious Smith III can be reached at 252-559-1077 and Junious.Smith@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JuniousSmithIII.

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